We were first introduced to Mark Antrobus by Padmini Mani, the Managing Trustee of My School Satya Surabhi in Kodaikanal, of which we are trustees too. Padmini Aunty said, “This is Mark, my most remarkable friend – generous, bright and friend to all.”
There are so many qualities that make our friend Mark Antrobus likeable. His keen intelligence, his deep spirituality, his philanthropic tendencies, his calm acceptance of whatever life may offer, his passion for knowledge, his thoroughness in whatever he does, for instance, his research into the etymology of Dravidian languages…and of course, his very handsome features. But to us, above all, what simply bowls us over is his relationship with his mom, Grace. Bubbly, super-intelligent, humourous absolutely stunning ‘English mem’ – that’s Grace in a nutshell.
When we met Grace at hundred, the question that Pratibha’s philosophical mind came up with was – “Grace, you have seen life in all its hues – you have been through world wars, separations, love, loss…everything. So what is it that matters most? Wealth, love, relationships, comfort, knowledge – what?”
Can we ever forget that wistful look in Grace’s eyes which turned to sharp clarity as she said, “To know that you have a mind and that it works.” Thank you Grace, for that wisdom which transcends knowledge and time.
Is it devotion, is it duty, is it gratitude, is it simple maternal bonding…..it is difficult to pin down a word to describe what one perceives when one sees mother and son together. All we can say that its always such a pleasure to see them together. There is no burden of duty there, neither the overpowering nature of devotion. Perhaps, what we really want to say is that when we see them, we just see love, an uncomplicated childlike love.
When we told Mark that we would like to pay a tribute to Grace on her 101st birthday, he immediately took the initiative, and with his natural, calm efficiency this is what he shared with us. The pictures taken by his friend Dr Vivek. M speak for themselves.
MARK ANTROBUS SAYS:
I invented this with the huge disks of Swedish Rye you get in US, but it works for any toast.
My name is Mark Antrobus, Grace Wardell is my mother; born in 1908, she recently celebrated her 101st birthday and is now “running” 102 years, as we say in Tamil Nadu. She has led a very active life undergoing the Blitz of London during the Second World War as the first woman Features Editor of a national newspaper, The London Daily Express.
I came to India in 1967 at the age of twenty one and would have come earlier if it were possible. My own association with India was a spiritual one with a love of the local traditions, philosophy, language, and people. I was given the name Govind. After the tragic death of my stepfather in a 1969 road accident in the U.K. my mother Grace followed me out to India settling in Kodaikanal while I lived in ashrams and villages in the plains. We used to see each other quite often while living our separate lives.
She continued to live here while I went back to the west. After some years I returned to India and I have been looking after her ever since. She loves India but cannot handle spicy food. Grace likes strong flavours, however, and the following recipe–based on the Italian pizza–I came up with as a tease to her palate.
INGREDIENTS:
Fairly thin toast, brown bread or Swedish Rye Crackers (knoc- brot) if available.
Eggless Mayonnaise.
Blanched tomatoes, peeled (Grace does not like tomato skins) sliced into thin wheels.
Thyme, dried, if fresh: finely chopped.
Fresh basil if available: chopped.
A few olives, if available, sliced.
Anything else you’d put in a pizza, like a few drops of olive oil.
Crushed garlic.
A few crystals of salt.
A few thin slices of raw onion.
Chilli seed (except for Grace).
Cheese, fresh, grated.
Also some Parmesan if available.
The basics are mayonnaise, fresh tomato and cheese, the rest is variable, according to taste. The trick I discovered is the mayonnaise; it prevents the tomatoes from getting the toast or rye crackers soggy. Pre-toast the bread or rye crackers lightly. Spread the mayonnaise covering evenly right to the edges. Place the tomato slices to cover the mayonnaise. Sprinkle a few olive slices, thyme, fresh basil, a few crystals of ground rock salt over the tomatoes, a few drops of olive oil, even thinly grated lemon peel, chilli seeds, smashed fennel seed, etc., as to your imagination and preference.
Grate fresh cheese over the tomato to cover generously and sprinkle in some Parmesan for piquancy. Place in an overhead grill until the cheese melts. Try not to burn the bottom of the toast. If you do not have an electric grill you can also heat a frying pan and place a mud pot lid over it, after heating up the lid and turning off the gas flame, lift the lid and place in the toast. This ambient heat is enough to melt the cheese.
A note on blanched tomatoes. Immerse ripe tomatoes in boiling water for a few seconds. Retrieve them before they cook and allow them to rest on a plate enough for the skins to split. Peel skins making sure to also gouge out the top stem receptacle. Slice into wheels in a plate, leaving behind the juices.
Govind’s Pizza Toast makes a great snack for a party, can be pre-prepared, and kept in fridge, or even eaten cold after the event, but best fresh hot out of the grill.
Tribute Recipe by MARK ANTROBUS, Introduction by JIGYASA
Photographs by VIVEK. M, Bangalore
Oh she so much looks like that gorgeous timeless actor of Indian Cinema – Zohra Sehgal (Saawariya).
Wow, that was such a heartfelt post. Thanks. God bless Grace and may she live a hundred years more!
Best,
Siri
Siri said it above and I concur — what a lovely, heartfelt story!
Mark and Grace’s mutual affection shines through the beautiful photos, and spills over into the recipe created by a loving son with special attention to mom’s preferences… a truly wonderful tribute to read!
hi
i recently came accross your blog and like your blog. i have also started a foodblog recently.keep up your good work and i wish u a very success.
cheers
swethaskitchen.com
Hi, interesting post. I have been pondering this topic,so thanks for writing. I’ll certainly be coming back to your posts.
What a lovely article. Yes, I do like whatever Mark cooks for me, and do delight in creamy things now that I am over all fears of heart problems well compensated for by the fruits and fruit juices that Mark gives me.
Thanks again for the nice article. I did not expect to get so much attention at this time of life.
Dear Mark and Grace:
Many thanks for sharing various comments and photos. Also thanks to Sally Savage for introducing us. I am so touched that I plan to visit you both in Kodai next winter when I visit India in Jan./Feb. 2010. It will be just for few hours as I have other commitments elsewhere. I am also imprssed with the vibrant energy of Padmini and what she accomplishes. Aren’t we all blessed!! Take care and stay in touch. Best,
Chuck
Hello Mark and Grace ,
So lovely to see your pictures – the recipe sounds delicious- must try it out . Grace looks as lovely as I remember her . It was a pleasure meeting both of you in kodi in 2007 .
Amrita
Wow, what beautiful photographs! I have shown them to all the family in England.
We all send our love to you, Mark, and Auntie Grace.
Take Care
Deana xx
Hi Mark and Grace,
Great pictures of a Mother and Child. Would love to visit you some time. Waiting for that wonderful day. Take care.
Peace and Love, Sekar.
Dear Sekar, It has been lovely knowing both of them. Thanks for dropping by.
Greetings Mark and Grace,
You both look lovely and are quite an inspiration!
Cheers,
XOC
Jigyasa and Pratibha,
What insightful and true observations on Mark,
A wonderful mother deserves a son such as Mark
Long live mothers and sons. I must not forget the beautiful pictures of “The gracious one”
Our amazing Grace!
What a lovely lady whose intelligence doesn’t look dimmed by her age. The toast is similar to one I’ve made for my family.
I love that last portrait. So beautiful and elegant. Kudos to the photographer for capturing so much life, wisdom and beauty… all in one shot.
I am sooo happy!! Is that really true? I find you again and I´m allways shure that you´re still on our earth.Grace you are the most impressing women I ever met in this world.I send you so much love and peaceful wishes.
Hi long lost Great Gran Grace and son!!
Often think of you – discussing you with my husband of 2 weeks and looked you up. Hope you are both well and enjoying the riches of India.
Email me if you get this message – can exchange news and views!
Lots of love
Vicky (and Nicholas)
xxxx
Oh Dearest Mark and Grace,
It was the spring of 1968 at Hengrwt, when Mark told me that daisies cry, when they are plucked and woven into garlands. Grace, I still have your handwritten poems on the painting of Angie; “Redhead singular brushed clear of haze…..Time will take up your cause and say, such artistry is of another day…”
I am filled with joy at finding you both still sparkling.
I live in northern California. Perhaps a word and smiles from you across the planet.
With love forever,
Ruby (Christmas Carol too Long)
Awesome post and great pictures!
Pingback: Our beloved Grace passes away «
F Y I – Grace also had a daughter Sally, 10 years older than Mark, who lives in New York State, US A. and has two sons and one daughter.
Although she did not raise her, they became great friends, and Sally visited her and Mark on her 90th Birthday in Shenbaganur.
Hi I met Mark and Grace the day after I left school.
Mark started me painting and I gained a place at Batley Art College.
I have enjoyed a lifetime of lecturing in crafts and still am a public speaker
Very sorry to hear today that Grace died in june 2010.
She will be sadly missed
Jenny Stacey
Hello Mark and Grace ,
So lovely to see your pictures – the recipe sounds delicious- must try it out . Grace looks as lovely as I remember her